tidal

adjective

tid·​al ˈtī-dᵊl 

1

a

: of, relating to, caused by, or having tides

tidal cycles

tidal erosion

b

: periodically rising and falling or flowing and ebbing

tidal waters

2

: dependent (as to the time of arrival or departure) upon the state of the tide

a tidal steamer

tidally

ˈtī-dᵊl-ē 

adverb

Examples of tidal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Crowfoot said the state’s ongoing efforts are also helping to restore vital tidal habitats and remove barriers that hinder fish migration. —Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2026

The largest project is a second tidal dock that connects to the Deurganck Dock, as well as expansion of the Noordzee Terminal. —Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2026

These six-foot walls of mud engineered to hold tidal water still stand just below the water’s surface. —Literary Hub, 10 Apr. 2026

Other sources for asteroid activity include breakup when an asteroid spins too fast, tidal forces ripping apart asteroids during close encounters with a planet, or gas release. —Patrick M. Shober, The Conversation, 10 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing tidal

• tidal wave

Rhymes for tidal

• bridal
• bridle
• idle
• idol
• idyll
• seidel
• sidle
• widal
• apsidal
• subtidal
• fratricidal
• fungicidal

Kids Definition

tidal

adjective

tid·​al ˈtīd-ᵊl 

: of or relating to tides : rising and falling or flowing and ebbing at regular times

Medical Definition

tidal

adjective

tid·​al ˈtīd-ᵊl 

: of, relating to, or constituting tidal air

interference with the normal tidal exchange of the lungs

—F. R. Mautz & R. M. Hosler